Some exemptions, like the homeowner exemption, do not require eligible homeowners to reapply every year. But two senior tax exemptions do require application and proof of eligibility every year.

Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption

The Senior Citizen Exemption gives tax relief to elderly homeowners by decreasing the taxable value of their homes by an additional $8,000 in EAV, up from $5,000 last year. According to the Cook County Treasurer’s Office, this exemption saves eligible seniors an average of $250 to $300 on their tax bill, in addition to the savings that result from the standard homeowner’s exemption. To qualify for this exemption, Cook County taxpayers must:

Have owned and occupied the property as of January 1, 2017

Be 65 years old or older during the tax year

To claim this exemption, seniors must complete the Senior Citizen Exemption application mailed out from the Cook County Assessor’s Office on January 9, and submit documentation that verifies their age and residency, along with a copy of their recent property tax bill by Wednesday, February 7. If you didn’t receive your form, you can download a copy here.

Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze Exemption (a.k.a. Senior Freeze)

Senior citizens with less than $65,000 in annual household income – up from $55,000 last year – can apply to have their EAV “frozen” at its current level, eliminating the impact of reassessment increases. Eligible seniors are guaranteed a reduction in the value of their homes of at least $2,000 in EAV. To qualify, Cook County senior taxpayers must:

Have owned and resided in their home on January 1, 2016, and January 1, 2017

Have been responsible for the 2016 property taxes

Have earned less than $65,000 in annual household income in 2016

To claim this exemption, eligible seniors should complete and return the senior exemption form by February 7. If you did not receive this form in the mail you can download it here.

Homeowners Exemption

Homeowners’ exemptions do not require reapplication each year, but if you purchased a new home and lived there as your primary residence as of January 1, you need to apply for the homeowner’s exemption. The exemption reduces the taxable equalized assessed value (EAV) of your home by $10,000, up from $7,000 last year. To qualify, homeowners must have resided in their home as of January 1 of the tax year in question. The assessor’s office automatically renews this exemption as long as you own the home.

Forgot? Apply for a Certificate of Error

If you have missed exemptions to which you are entitled, you can apply for a Certificate of Error to have the exemptions applied dating back up to three years. Visit the Cook County Assessor’s website for a full list of potential property tax exemptions.